[34F] With sudden neck pain and headaches post-chewing incident

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. Given your history of a bulging disc at C5-C6, this could be contributing to your neck pain, headaches, and facial tingling. The sudden onset of symptoms after chewing could have exacerbated the nerve compression.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.

• Cervicogenic Headache: This type of headache is caused by a disorder of the cervical spine and its component bony, disc, and/or soft tissue elements. Your description of headaches starting behind the ear, eye, and temple, along with neck pain, aligns with this condition.

  • Treatment often includes physical therapy, medications for pain relief, and sometimes nerve blocks.

• Muscle Spasm or Strain: The sudden onset of neck pain and spasms could be due to muscle strain or spasm, possibly triggered by the action of chewing crunchy food.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, application of heat or cold, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, which you are already taking, can also help.

What you can do

While it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest and Gentle Stretching: Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain. Gentle neck stretches may help relieve tension.
2. Apply Heat or Cold: Use a heating pad or ice pack on your neck to help reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Pain Management: Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help.
4. Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider. This can help in identifying patterns or triggers.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Worsening pain or new symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in your arms or hands
• Severe headaches that do not improve with medication
• Any changes in vision or other neurological symptoms

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.